The 2011 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8 R-Spec. |
So let's assess the Genesis Coupe 3.8 R-Spec for what it is. A smartly styled, aggressive Asian sport coupe. The Toyota Supra of our time perhaps....for our time's equivalent of Celica GT money.
The 2011 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8 R-Spec rear view. |
That's the first big suprise about the Genesis Coupe 3.8 R-Spec...what you get for your money. The manual transmission version, like our tester, starts at $26,750. For that you get the body you see above and a 300 horsepower 3.8 liter V6 under the hood. It handles well, too, applying that power to the pavement through the rear wheels and benefitting from a 5-link independent rear suspension, a track suspension and strut brace, 19-inch wheels with summer tires and Brembo brakes, plus a Torsen limited-slip differential...and it comes with electronic stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes, electronic brake-force distribution with brake assist and a full complement of airbags and active front head restraints. Standard.
The six-speed manual? The slickest this side of Honda (nice lesson learned on Hyundai's part).
The 2011 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8 R-Spec interior. |
Slide inside and you'll find black leather bolster/red cloth seats (in ours) and lumbar support for the driver, air conditioning with outside temperature display, keyless entry and alarm, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, a multi-information display, power windows, locks and mirrors, an AM/FM/XM/CD/mp3 audio system with an iPod/USB/Auxiliary connection and steering wheel audio controls, Bluetooth and fog lights.
Oh, yeah. And a full tank of gas. And you haven't added a single option. The tab is still at $26,750. All they could find to add to ours was carpeted floor mats ($105), a cargo net ($50) and an iPod cable ($35). From the looks of the window sticker, freight and handling was thrown in free, so the total price rings up at $26,940. A remarkable bargain. Especially when you remember this is a Hyundai, which means you get a 5 year/60,000 mile new vehicle warranty, a 10 year/100,000 mile powertrain warranty, a 7 year/unlimited mile anti-perforation warranty, and 5 years/unlimited mile roadside assistance.
It's a ball to drive, a definite attention getter and an absolute screaming bargain.
Maybe Mustang ought to sweat just a bit.
2011 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8 R-Spec
Base price: $26,750.
As tested: $26,940.
Likes: Styling, handling, manual shifter.
Dislikes: Not seeing more in traffic.
EPA estimate: 17 mpg city/26 mpg highway.